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Preparing Your Student for College

Tips for Parents

The college-planning process could be very stressful for you and your teenager. Help each other out! This may ease the stress in regards to this process. Here are some tips that may help you throughout your teenager's high school career and preparing for college:

  • Save for your student's tuition
  • Make sure your student is taking college preparatory courses in high school.
  • Sit down with your student's guidance counselor and your student to begin planning for college.
  • Help research on types of colleges your student may be interested in attending
    • Visit colleges' websites
    • Attend college fairs during the spring; you may pick up applications there!
  • Help your student practice for the ACT**/SAT***
    • Practice exams are available at your local library
  • Make your student take the ACT/SAT
  • During the summer of your student's junior and senior year, make time for visits to possible colleges.
  • Offer to help your student with the application process
    • For example: application fees, application essay
    • Apply early!
    • Request transcripts and test scores to be sent to colleges your student is applying to.
  • APPLY TO FAFSA* BEFORE MARCH 1 (financial aid for college). You may begin applying for FAFSA after January 1st of each year.
  • Keep an eye out for possible scholarships offered by your company and/or your student's school
  • Encourage your student to stay involved in school activities and to volunteer for community service!
NOTE:

*FAFSA stands for "Free Application Federal Student Aid". The government offers free money and loans to college-bound students. The amount is based on your child's income, your spouse's income and your own individual income.

**ACT stands for American College Testing. This is a test that is required for college-bound students. This test score is an essential element for colleges to admit numerous college applicants.

***SAT stands for Scholastic Assessment Test. This is another test that colleges use to differentiate and admit numerous college applicants every year.